Work

Natural History of Plasmodium odocoilei Malaria Infection in Farmed White-Tailed Deer

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Malaria parasites of the genus Plasmodium are known to infect a variety of vertebrate hosts, including ungulates (hoofed mammals). A recent study found that up to a quarter of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) in North America are infected with the parasite Plasmodium odocoilei. In addition to occupying an important ecological niche, white-tailed deer are popular game animals and deer farming represents a rapidly growing industry. However, the effect of P. odocoilei infection in this ecologically and economically important ungulate species is unknown. Our work is significant because (i) we identified a high prevalence of P. odocoilei in farmed deer and (ii) we found evidence for both cleared and persistent infection, as well as an association with decreased survival of young fawns.

Source: mSphere

DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00067-18

Authors: Ann M. Guggisberg, Katherine A. Sayler, Samantha M. Wisely, Audrey R. Odom John

Institutions: Washington University in St. Louis, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Malaria Research and Control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,500